Bedrock Geology of Glacier National Park

Carol Ormand
,
SERC, Carleton College
Author Profile
Initial Publication Date: September 13, 2017

Summary

Students use the bedrock geologic map of Glacier National Park, and its cross-sections, to decipher the geologic story recorded in the rocks.

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Context

Audience

Geology of the National Parks (intro level course for majors and non-majors)

See the course description, including links to all of the other teaching activities for this course.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Students should have prior experience with reading and interpreting geologic maps and a basic understanding of the processes and causes of folding and faulting.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is the last of several geologic map exercises in my course. It follows several short exercises related to the glacial geomorphology, glacial deposits, and glacial retreat rates of Glacier National Park.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

Students will decipher the geologic history recorded in the rocks of Glacier National Park.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

Geologic map interpretation: students will construct a geologic history of Glacier National Park, prior to glaciation, using only the information on the geologic map and their wits

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

Students use the bedrock geologic map of Glacier National Park, and its cross-sections, to decipher the geologic story recorded in the rocks.

Determining whether students have met the goals

Working alone or in groups, students write a narrative about the events recorded in the rocks of Glacier National Park. I evaluate their narrative using a rubric.

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

Teaching materials and tips

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